Baked chicken legs with creamy mushroom sauce can provide several health and nutritional benefits. Here are some of them:
1. High-quality protein: Chicken is a great source of high-quality protein. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle growth, and maintaining a healthy immune system.
2. Nutrient-rich: Chicken legs contain a variety of essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, niacin, phosphorus, selenium, and zinc. These nutrients play important roles in energy production, nerve function, immune support, and overall health.
3. Low in calories: Baking chicken legs instead of frying them helps reduce the overall calorie content. This can be beneficial if you’re trying to manage your weight or maintain a healthy calorie intake.
4. Healthy fats: While chicken legs do contain some fat, they are relatively low in saturated fats compared to other cuts of meat. The creamy mushroom sauce can add richness and flavor, but you can choose healthier ingredients like low-fat dairy or Greek yogurt to reduce the saturated fat content further.
5. Mushroom benefits: The creamy mushroom sauce provides additional nutritional benefits. Mushrooms are low in calories and fat but rich in fiber, vitamins (such as vitamin D and B vitamins), minerals, and antioxidants. They also contain compounds that may support immune function and have anti-inflammatory properties.
6. Versatility: Baked chicken legs with creamy mushroom sauce can be paired with various side dishes, such as steamed vegetables or whole grains, to create a well-rounded and balanced meal. Adding vegetables to the dish increases the fiber, vitamin, and mineral content.
However, it’s important to consider portion sizes and the overall balance of your meal. While baked chicken legs with creamy mushroom sauce can be a nutritious option, it’s still essential to consume a variety of foods to ensure you meet all your nutritional needs. Additionally, if you have specific dietary restrictions or health conditions, it’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized advice.
Baked Chicken Legs with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
Ingredients:
1/4 cup flour (you can use gluten-free flour)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 lb chicken legs (about 3-4 large chicken legs)
2 tablespoons olive oil
10 oz mushrooms (each sliced in half)
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
1 cup chicken stock
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup heavy cream
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a small bowl, combine the flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper.
On a large plate, dredge chicken legs in this seasoned flour mixture.
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet on medium-high heat.
Add chicken legs skin side down and brown for about 4 minutes until the skin turns a nice golden color.
Flip chicken legs over to the other side and brown the other side for about 3 minutes.
Remove browned chicken legs and set them aside. Also, remove those parts of olive oil that got too dark from browning the chicken with flour mixture.
To the same, now empty skillet, add mushrooms (sliced in half) and minced garlic, add an extra tablespoon of olive oil (if needed) and saute them together on medium heat for 2 minutes.
Add chicken stock to the skillet, scraping up the browned bits at the bottom of the pan. Add 1/4 teaspoon of salt and stir.
Place chicken legs back in the pan.
Bring the chicken stock to boil, cover, and reduce heat to simmer on low-medium.
Simmer chicken legs for 25-30 minutes, until the chicken is completely cooked through and the juices run clear when chicken is cut in the middle.
Remove the cooked chicken legs to a baking dish and keep warm.
Turn the heat under the skillet to medium-high, and simmer the mushroom sauce for about 4 minutes until it is reduced by about a third.
Stir in the 1/2 cup heavy cream into the mushroom sauce and simmer for another 2 minutes on low-medium heat, constantly stirring and scraping from the bottom of the skillet, until the sauce gets thicker.
Pour the mushroom sauce over the chicken legs and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken legs are crispy on top and the sauce is bubbly.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 50 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Here are some tips to make baked chicken legs with creamy mushroom sauce:
1. Choose high-quality chicken legs: Look for chicken legs that are fresh, preferably organic or free-range. This ensures better flavor and quality.
2. Marinate the chicken legs: To enhance the flavor and tenderness of the chicken, consider marinating them before baking. You can use a simple marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, herbs, and spices. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator.
3. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to the recommended temperature (usually around 375°F to 400°F or 190°C to 200°C) before placing the chicken legs in it. This ensures even cooking and prevents the chicken from drying out.
4. Proper seasoning: Season the chicken legs with salt, pepper, and any additional herbs or spices according to your preference. This adds flavor to the chicken as it bakes.
5. Use a baking rack: Place the chicken legs on a baking rack set over a baking sheet. This allows the hot air to circulate around the chicken, promoting even cooking and crispy skin.
6. Baking time and temperature: Bake the chicken legs for approximately 35-45 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Cooking times may vary depending on the size of the chicken legs and your oven. It’s always recommended to use a meat thermometer to ensure they are fully cooked.
7. Creamy mushroom sauce: While the chicken legs are baking, prepare the creamy mushroom sauce. Sauté sliced mushrooms in a little olive oil or butter until they are browned and tender. Add garlic, onions, and herbs for additional flavor. Then, stir in a mixture of cream, milk, or low-fat dairy options such as Greek yogurt or sour cream. Simmer the sauce until it thickens and reaches the desired consistency.
8. Serve and garnish: Once the chicken legs are cooked, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve the chicken legs with the creamy mushroom sauce on top. You can garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added freshness and presentation.
9. Pair with sides: Consider serving the baked chicken legs with creamy mushroom sauce alongside a variety of sides. Some popular options include steamed vegetables, roasted potatoes, whole grains like quinoa or brown rice, or a crisp green salad.
Remember to adjust the recipe and ingredients according to your dietary preferences and any dietary restrictions you may have. Enjoy your delicious and nutritious baked chicken legs with creamy mushroom sauce!